From Los Angeles to Derbyshire: Alix & Monique’s UK Destination Wedding at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire.
March 22, 2023
The Seven Best Wedding Venues in Derbyshire for Your Marquee Wedding
April 5, 2023
Wanting to get married in or around London doesn’t mean you have to go for a city or industrial vibe at your wedding. There are some incredible wedding venues within a two-hour drive of our capital, all of which will transport you to another world far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I’ve put together a selection of 9 of my favourite countryside wedding venues near London, offering you a taste of tranquillity set against expansive scenery.
First up is Hedsor in Buckinghamshire, which you’ll hardly believe is just a stone’s throw from London when you enter its 100 acres of parkland. It’s an impressive Georgian building with luxurious interiors, and it can be exclusively yours for your wedding. You and your guests will feel like you own the place as you explore its formal gardens and nearby 12th-century church, celebrate in its classically decorated spaces, and finally settle into its 13 elegant bedrooms after a memorable day.
There is so much to love about Monkey Island Estate, and the list starts with its quirky name! Second, on my list of countryside wedding venues near London is this Berkshire venue, set on a private island on the Thames. It’s less than an hour from Central London but feels secluded, and you can even arrive by boat or helicopter if that’s your cup of tea! The estate offers several options for your wedding reception, with more intimate weddings taking place in the Pavilion or larger celebrations happening in a marquee on the lawn.
Euridge Manor is what fairytales are made of, and it’s easy to fall head over heels for this Cotswolds gem. It is truly an enchanting oasis with so much to discover, from its azure boating pool overlooking rolling countryside views to its signature castle arch featuring a chandelier (that’s outdoors, by the way!). This wonderland of visuals has something to suit every size and style of wedding, from intimate celebrations in the Orangery to spectacular dining in the Ballroom and Grotto, and outdoor options for both your ceremony and reception.
Cowdray is situated in the South Downs National Park, and offers opulence in the form of wood-panelled dining rooms, vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Your nearest and dearest can enjoy their 22 bedrooms, Capability Brown gardens and locally sourced produce. As far as countryside wedding venues near London go, this one ticks lots of boxes! You have the option to host up to 300 guests in a marquee, and they allow fireworks to start your married life with colour and fizz.
Next up is Newington House, which is still family owned and only an hour from London. Its quintessential English surroundings include a river running through unspoilt gardens, a lake, walled garden, meadows and woodland. You can really embrace English countryside traditions here and try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, falconry and archery, and as the venue is exclusively yours for your wedding you’ll feel like dignitaries of the Manor!
Botley Hill Barn is next on my list of countryside wedding venues near London, but this one offers something very different from the traditional, country house style you’ll find elsewhere. This venue is contemporary rustic at its finest, a neutral-toned blank canvas with huge windows overlooking expansive scenery. Its red brick Oakley Barn offers a cosy, rustic ceremony space for you to say your vows before starting the celebrations in the Main Barn. You can really put your own stamp on the space and get creative, leaning into something sleek and modern or adding some decadent flair.
Hertfordshire’s North Mymms Park brings Elizabethan splendour, period features and a host of impressive photo opportunities. Its guest accommodation does an incredible job of blending classic opulence with 21st century comfort, and its bridal dressing areas and bridal suite are the level of luxury you’re looking for on your special day. Each of the ceremony and reception spaces here offer something unique, from the outdoor marble canopied Loggia to the oak panelled Jacobean Room.
Firle Place is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, just a short drive from London. You can choose to have your reception in its listed Georgian Riding School for a rustic chic atmosphere, or in a marquee on the lawn with the impressive house as your backdrop. This venue immerses you in tradition and envelopes you in 190 acres of parkland, and you’ll hardly believe how close to the city you are.
Last but not least on my list of countryside wedding venues near London is Avington Park, the perfect setting for lavish weddings near Winchester. Once Hampshire’s playground for royalty, Avington’s Versailles Ballroom, Orangery and impressive grounds ooze grandeur. If the walls could talk, they’d have some stories to tell! Getting married here is an exclusive-hire experience that allows you to step away from everyday life, and create a regal celebration you’ll never forget.
If any of these luxury venues have caught your eye and you’d love to plan your wedding there, don’t hesitate to get in touch!